Jack, I think Eric's decision is a good one. My husband put off getting the PEG tube until the last two weeks of radiation and wished he would have done it sooner. Really took the pressure off the battle to get anywhere near enough calories/protein/hydration in each day. He is almost 4 months post treatment and trying to wean himself off it.

The procedure to put it in is quick...think it was only abut 20 or 30 minutes, outpatient surgery. There can be some adjustment period at first. Some people have some pain in the first few days. If that happens, try damp heat - that really worked. As far as formula for the feeding tube, Eric might try a product called "Novasource." I think it is higher in calories than almost anything else (475 per box, I believe). Ensure really upset my husband's stomach, but everybody is different.

One other suggestion for dealing with the amifostine nausea. Eric might want to drink some Galviscon (antacid) before the amifostine. It doesn't always help with the nausea but, as his throat gets more and more sore, it helps to prevent the vomit from burning when it comes up. Sorry for being so graphic, but a nurse in radiation oncology suggested it for my husband and it made a big difference.

Sending good thoughts your way,
Anita